In a significant breakthrough, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai has apprehended the alleged mastermind behind a sophisticated international gold smuggling network. The arrest follows a months-long investigation triggered by a major seizure at the city's international airport earlier this year.
The Airport Interception That Unraveled the Network
The case originated on 21 February 2025, when DRI officers at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) intercepted four Indian nationals. The individuals—Alamgir Badshah, Akbar Ali Anwar Ali Khan, Rehana Alamgir Khan, and Firdos Akbar Ali Khan—had just arrived from Jeddah aboard Air India flight AI-938. They were stopped after crossing the green channel. Simultaneously, two associates, Fahad Yarker and Adil Aziz Sikander, were detained in the arrival hall where they were waiting to receive the carriers.
During personal searches, officials discovered 3,900 grams of 24-carat foreign-origin gold, valued at approximately Rs 3.47 crore (Rs 4 crores). The precious metal was not declared to Customs authorities. All six individuals were arrested on the same day for violations under Section 135 of the Customs Act, 1962.
Tracking Down the Syndicate's Mastermind
Investigations revealed that the smuggling operation was conducted on behalf of a mastermind known as Faiz Jabbar Ghawte, alias "Dada". The probe led to further arrests: Shakeel Pawaskar and Shehbaz Rizwani on 22 July 2025, followed by Muzaffar Mulla and Danish Shaikh on 29 July 2025.
Statements recorded from multiple accused under Section 108 of the Customs Act consistently identified Ghawte as the principal conspirator. He allegedly operated the syndicate from abroad, financed the gold consignments, and coordinated operations within India through his brother-in-law, Shehbaz Rizwani. Technical investigations uncovered that the syndicate used dedicated WhatsApp groups for each consignment, sharing real-time updates to keep Ghawte informed of every movement.
Arrest and Non-Cooperation of the Alleged Kingpin
Despite being directed by the Bombay High Court to appear before the DRI, Ghawte failed to cooperate and missed scheduled dates. He was eventually arrested by the DRI Mumbai unit under Section 104 read with Section 135 of the Customs Act.
Between 8 and 18 December 2025, Ghawte denied all allegations during his statements. However, the DRI stated that he withheld critical information, furnished false details about his background, and did not disclose the buyers or the financial trail of the smuggled gold.
While seeking his custody, the agency informed the court that the investigation is at a crucial juncture, involving a vast international network. They argued that Ghawte's custody is essential to uncover the syndicate's full scale, identify overseas links, and trace the proceeds of crime. The DRI opposed any relief, citing risks of evidence tampering, witness influence, and flight risk. The court subsequently granted judicial custody.
This arrest marks a critical blow to an organized smuggling ring that spanned multiple countries, highlighting the DRI's continued crackdown on financial crimes and illicit trade networks threatening India's economic security.
